The health emergency has made it clear that Europe does not have a unified position on public health and safety, and that the Union is unable to take firm decisions even on global problems that seriously affect the economy and social life of all Member States. In spite of the principles of participatory democracy stated by the European institutions, it is clear that it is difficult to put them into practice and that there is a lack of a clear framework defining the decision-making process and the appropriate legal instruments to follow it up.

Ahead of the Eurogroup meeting on 7 April 2020, the European Economic and Social Committee has adopted a declaration calling for timely and urgent responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with the public health concerns and the political, economic and social consequences of the crisis, the EESC Members, as representatives of organised civil society, are united in stressing the crucial need for joint and prompt action.

The COVID-19 outbreak has turned into a fast-moving emergency, figures and measures are constantly changing across Europe and the world, affecting all levels of society.
Not since the end of the Second World War, has the global community faced such a dramatic crisis. No government in Europe or elsewhere can possibly think to solve such a pandemic alone. All the Member States must come together, to support each other and to coordinate a concerted action. A piecemeal approach by the individual Member States is a sure recipe for disaster.

Arno Metzler, Chairman of the EESC Group III, is a guest of the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council. Mr Metzler is visiting Sofia for a conference organised by the EESC at the Western Balkans National Assembly: A clear roadmap for progress.

“Circular Economy - Features and Opportunities” is the topic of the latest opinion adopted by the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council in 2019. During the plenary discussion ESC members identified the circular economy as a topic "from" and "about" the future that is not so well known to the public but should find its place in public awareness, including by disseminating knowledge and information about it.